-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Tiger Woods ' former caddy Steve Williams has issued an apology after apparently making racially tinged remarks at an awards dinner in Shanghai , China .

Williams -- who was fired by Woods in July -- was being presented with a satirical award for `` celebration of the year '' for comments he made after his new boss , golfer Adam Scott , beat Woods at the Bridgestone Invitational in Ohio a month later .

According to media reports , when asked about those comments during his acceptance speech Friday night , Williams said : `` I wanted to shove it up that black -- . ''

Should Williams be punished for Tiger remarks ?

Shortly afterward , the New Zealander issued an contrite statement on his website .

`` I apologize for comments I made last night at the Annual Caddy Awards dinner in Shanghai . Players and caddies look forward to this evening all year and the spirit is always joking and fun .

`` I now realize how my comments could be construed as racist . However I assure you that was not my intent . I sincerely apologize to Tiger and anyone else I have offended . ''

Woods is in Australia preparing for the President Cups teams event in Melbourne starting November 17 .

His agent Mark Steinberg said in a statement : `` I was with Tiger when the story broke . We were obviously not there , but if all the reports are accurate , it is regrettable . Really nothing more to say . ''

In several interviews after his dismissal , which brought to an end a 13-year working relationship , Williams let it be known that he was disappointed and shocked and also brought up Woods ' sex scandal .

Interviewed after Scott 's Bridgestone victory , Williams called it the `` greatest week I 've had in my career . ''

Scott and Williams are at Sheshan , near Shanghai , to take part in the HSBC Champions golf tournament and the Australian was reportedly among the audience at the awards dinner .

The row over Williams ' remarks has led to media speculation that the partnership may not last much longer .

However , Scott told reporters that he would not be taking any action .

`` Steve issued a statement and apologized , and he did the right thing . That 's all there is to say about that from my side of things , '' said the 31-year-old , who was in third place at the Chinese tournament ahead of Sunday 's final round , three shots behind Swedish leader Fredrik Jacobson .

`` It 's not an issue for me . I think everything in that room last night was all in good spirits and a bit of fun , and I think it probably got taken out of that room in the wrong context .

`` Anything with Tiger involved is a story . I value Steve 's contribution to my game and while he 's caddying I hope he can caddy for me .

`` There was a lot of language used last night and it 's just this was reported . I do n't really think that stuff has ever left the room before and it 's probably good reasons why . I think it 's probably all very unnecessary . ''

It is not the first time Williams has had to apologize for inappropriate remarks .

Three years ago he made derogatory comments about Woods ' great rival Phil Mickelson at a charity event in New Zealand and was later forced to back down by his employer .

Former U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell told the UK Press Association that he did not believe Williams had intended to make a racial remark .

`` The comments were surprising , yes . These are racially sensitive times , especially in sport . It 's unfortunate because it was a very sticky situation , '' the Northern Irishman said .

`` I do n't think Stevie Williams was trying to be racial . I do n't think it was a racial comment . I think he was trying to be funny and make a joke of it .

`` It was an embarrassing situation that he was put in . He was up in front of his peers and colleagues and it came out wrong . ''

Scott shot three-under-par 69 in Saturday 's third round to be on 13-under 203 at the tournament , which offers more than $ 1.1 million to the winner and will have a big influence on who wins the European Tour money list .

World No. 3 Rory McIlroy is seeking to overhaul top-ranked Luke Donald and prevent the Englishman from making history by topping both the U.S. and European money lists in the same year .

The Northern Irishman shot 65 on Saturday to climb up to a tie for fourth with Lee Westwood -- four shots behind Jacobson , who carded 67 .

Former world No. 1 Martin Kaymer , who is fourth in the Race To Dubai standings behind McIlroy and Charl Schwartzel , was tied for sixth with McDowell on 205 .

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Steve Williams : `` I sincerely apologize to Tiger and anyone else I have offended ''

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The New Zealander was sacked by Tiger Woods in July after 13 years together

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He now caddies for Australian golfer Adam Scott , who says he will not sack him

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Woods ' agent says Williams ' comments at awards dinner were `` regrettable ''